From Library Journal
Grade 6-9-An intriguing plot, abundant dialogue, and rich inner monologues intricately portray the negotiation of friendship between two 13-year-olds, both longing for a different lifestyle, in the outskirts of Turnback, MO. Glory has lived with her Gram since the death of her single mother 10 years earlier. When Marvalene and her carnival family come to the fairgrounds across the highway, Glory is determined to overcome shyness and shame over a large facial birthmark, to make friends with the girl. Outgoing, impulsive Marvalene is desperate to make friends with a town girl. Throughout the story, they work through their personality differences, as well as the mutual prejudices of their communities, often meeting secretly. In the end, both girls come to realize that they have what they need and want-loving, supportive families. Many of the characters have suffered significant loss, yet live with hope and have a positive outlook, including Marvalene's mother, who, no longer able to dance because of a debilitating stroke, works hard as a fortune-teller. Several subplots are skillfully woven into the plot, but none of the ends are neatly tied up, leaving room for thought and discussion. Adolescents who are questioning their lives and looking beyond appearances will appreciate this contemporary story. It's as satisfying as a hot, crisp corn dog at a carnival. Laura Scott, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI
This book should be in every middle school classroom. Identity is such a huge issue with middle school aged kids and this book is a good book to illustrate that. Figuring out who you are as a person is a big deal, and this book shows that no matter what you look like you are unique and you should love everything about yourself no matter what "flaws" you may have.
Wood, June Rae. About Face. Putnam Juvenile, 2001.
ISBN-10: 069811891XISBN-13: 978-0698118911
Summary courtesy of: http://www.amazon.com/About-Face-June-Rae-Wood/dp/069811891X
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